Mitigation – Long Island/Nassau County flood maps

Recently, New York State’s Nassau County on Long Island received new, preliminary maps flood maps. These maps will ultimately replace their current maps, which are based on elevation data that is 20 to 30 years old.

The new maps use updated coastal flood analyses developed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, as well as sophisticated digital photographic and elevation data developed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and the Nassau County Office of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). They will increase the county’s flood plain by 77%, with the increases occurring mostly along the south shore that abuts Long Island Sound.

And while most residents know their narrow island (12 miles across to 23 miles at its widest point) is subject to the vagaries of storm and tides, the expansion of the county’s flood plain prompts a number of questions.

Here are video responses to some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Q&A: What are the advantages of the new flood maps?
2.  Q&A: Why do state and local governments collaborate with FEMA on flood maps?
3. Q&A: Why are the new maps important to local officials?
4. Q&A: Why are flood maps important?
5. Q&A: What effect will the new flood maps have?

Also watch a special message from the Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office about NY Alert

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